Fifty of the 303 students kidnapped from Nigeria’s St. Mary’s Catholic School have escaped, with authorities reporting their safe return to families. The remaining 253 students and 12 teachers remain in captivity, and their exact locations are still unknown. Pope Francis called for their immediate release, emphasizing the sorrow of families and urging authorities to act. The attack has led to school closures nationwide, and the Nigerian government is intensifying efforts to secure the remaining hostages. Meanwhile, the U.S. has expanded aid efforts to counter Christian violence in Nigeria, though the Nigerian government disputes these claims. Recent attacks on schools and places of worship highlight the ongoing security crisis in the nation.